New evidence sees Crime Commission close in on famous cold case ‘murder’ of Jessica Small from Bathurst in 1997

One of the most high-profile cold cases in NSW may be a step closer to being solved, after the NSW Crime Commission gathered new evidence.

Jessica Small went missing in 1997.

New information has emerged in one of the state’s most high-profile cold case investigations, with authorities hoping a $1 million reward will help bring her killer to justice.

Jessica Small was abducted from around Bathurst in 1997 and has not been seen or heard from since, with a coroner ruling that she was likely murder.

The NSW Crime Commission has now revealed it has now come into possession of potential crucial new evidence and identified a range of new witnesses, which it hopes will assist as it works with NSW Police to solve the 27-year mystery.

New information has emerged in one of the state’s most high-profile cold case investigations, the suspected murder of Jessica Small.

In an unusual step for the often secretive organisation, the NSWCC has released a statement calling for anyone else with evidence to come forward and reminded the public of the $1 million reward available for evidence that leads to the conviction of Jessica’s killer.

Jessica’s family have been kept updated with the investigation over the years and said they hope someone can come forward with the final pieces of evidence to “finally give our family some closure”.

“Even though it’s been a long 27 years, we have never given up hope of getting answers about our daughter and sister,” her family said in a statement.

Jessica was last seen on Russell St in Bathurst on the evening of Saturday, October 25, 1997 near the ‘Amuse Me’ amusement centre.

She and a female friend were trying to hitch-hike to a house on nearby Hereford St and around 11:10pm accepted a ride from a man in a white sedan.

But just a few hundred metres away from the Hereford St address the man turned off the car’s headlights and attempted to detain both girls.

The NSW Crime Commission has now revealed it has now come into possession of potential crucial new evidence and identified a range of new witnesses, in Jessica’s disappearance. Picture: AAP/NSW Police

Jessica Small's mother Ricki Small and her sister Rebecca Small.

Jessica’s friend managed to escape the car and thought Jessica was running behind her, but by the time she received help from locals in the area she realised she was alone.

The man, who is suspected of driving off with Jessica, was last seen travelling towards Hill End – near Duramana Rd and Willott Close, in the suburb of Eglinton.

So determined are investigators to solve the case, the NSWCC’s Director of Criminal Investigations has urged anyone with information who does not feel comfortable calling CrimeStoppers, to ring his personal mobile phone.

Hany Elbatoory can be contacted on 0479 187 202 or CrimeStoppers can be called on 1800 333 000.